There’s nothing quite like the aroma of kalua pork wafting through the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon. It instantly transports me back to my childhood summers in Hawaii, sitting under the swaying palms as the unmistakable smoky-sweet scent of this iconic dish filled the air. My aunties would spend hours tending to the underground pit oven, patiently waiting as the pork transformed into tender, falling-apart morsels imbued with the flavors of the islands.
While most of us don’t have easy access to a traditional Hawaiian imu pit for cooking kalua pork, this 3-ingredient slow cooker version captures those same luscious, kalua flavors with hardly any effort. Just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Crock Pot are all you need to re-create this iconic Hawaiian delicacy in your own kitchen. Trust me, one bite of this succulent, smoky-sweet pork will have you dreaming of tropical beaches and swaying palm trees.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Kalua Pork
. Only 3 simple ingredients required (pork butt, salt, and liquid smoke)
. Hands-off slow cooker method – just set it and forget it!
. Recreates the authentic kalua flavors without an underground oven
. Fall-apart tender, ultra-moist pork every time
. Feeds a crowd and makes excellent leftovers
. Versatile enough for tacos, sandwiches, rice bowls, and more
Kalua Pork Ingredient List
. Pork Butt/Shoulder (4-5 lbs) – This well-marbled cut becomes meltingly tender when slow cooked
. Hawaiian Sea Salt or Coarse Kosher Salt – Provides the signature salted kalua flavor
. Liquid Smoke – Gives the pork that unmistakable smoky kalua essence
Kalua Pork FAQs
. Can I use a different pork cut?
While pork butt/shoulder is traditional, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
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